What's the noise floor like compared to passive single coils?

The EMG S achieves a -90 dBV output noise floor thanks to its active low-impedance preamp and internal shielding, making it essentially hum-free even in high-gain contexts. Passive single coils typically suffer from 60Hz hum and higher noise; this pickup eliminates that problem entirely.

How long does a 9V battery last?

A single 9V battery delivers approximately 1000 hours of continuous use at the pickup's 240 microamp draw. In typical playing patterns, expect 6–12 months of real-world use per battery.

Will this pickup fit in a standard single-coil route?

Yes, the EMG S is designed to fit standard Fender single-coil routes. Dimensions are 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches; verify against your guitar's cavity to confirm fit.

What output level should I expect into my amp or interface?

The pickup delivers 0.6V RMS and 0.85V peak output with 10 kΩ impedance, providing stable, headroom-rich signal that works seamlessly with any amp input stage or audio interface. This balanced output preserves dynamics and articulation at volume.

Is this pickup good for traditional jazz or vintage tones?

The EMG S is optimized for modern, high-gain contexts with a 4.35 kHz resonant frequency and tight, controlled character. It's not designed for warm, vintage single-coil voicing; vintage tone purists and jazz players will find better tonal matches elsewhere.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.

EMG S Active Single Coil Pickup in Black

The EMG S ceramic single coil delivers articulate, controlled output with minimal noise—a hallmark of EMG's active design philosophy. On stage, this pickup excels in high-gain contexts where clarity cuts through, translating pick attack and string definition through dense distortion without muddiness. The compact form factor and balanced output characteristics make it a natural fit for players transitioning from passive designs or seeking a noise floor measured in negative decibels.

Tone & Electronics

Built around a ceramic bar magnet and equipped with EMG's low-impedance preamp and internal shielding, this pickup achieves a resonant frequency of 4.35 kHz and an exceptionally clean -90 dBV output noise floor. The 0.6V RMS and 0.85V peak output provide headroom and dynamics that preserve articulation even at high volumes, while the 10 kΩ output impedance ensures stable interaction with any amp input stage.

Power & Specifications

This active circuit draws a mere 240 microamps at 9V, yielding approximately 1000 hours of battery life per 9V cell. The design supports input voltages up to 27V DC maximum, offering flexibility for powered systems or multi-pickup configurations with dedicated power supplies.

Key Features

Ceramic bar magnet construction
Resonant frequency: 4.35 kHz
RMS output voltage: 0.6V
Peak output voltage: 0.85V
Output noise: -90 dBV
Output impedance: 10 kΩ
Current draw at 9V: 240 microamps
Battery life: 1000 hours
Internal shielding and low-impedance preamp
Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.25 x 4.75 inches
Silver logo finish
Requires 1x 9V battery; supports up to 27V DC maximum

The EMG S combines the single-coil character you expect with active electronics' noise rejection and output consistency—a straightforward upgrade path for tight, defined tones that stay punchy in any rig.